Winter Tour
It's been awhile since I updated outside of the obscure feeling post below.
Work has been very busy, I'm getting tired of working 10-12 hour days in some cases for a paltry sum of "money"; however, this is simply a job. Only get one day off for 2 weeks, then 7 days off for holiday, then back to one day off for 1 more week, then back to normal schedule.
Some interesting thoughts have gone through my head recently. For example, I've noticed that there really aren't a lot of birds in this city. There are some, but nothing compared to like it was back home. I wonder if it's because of where the city is located, the pollution, or that it's such a big city and big cities are like that. Maybe a combination of all of them, I don't know.
I've been wanting to travel some within China. There are a lot of things I like about being here, although people keep telling me that they think I'd have a far better time if I were to start drinking and/or consumer narcotics. While we're on the topic, it went through my head the other day that people often use alcohol or narcotics to help them through the daily stresses of life. This got me thinking... I'm no medical expert and don't claim to be one, but could it be possible that the consumption of these stress relievers may have a way of benefiting one's health. I'm not talking about lowering the risk of cancer or something like that. I'm talking more about lowering blood-pressure or something like that. For example take someone like me, doesn't use any forms of these "optimizers" and deals with everything internally. When I first came here, my blood pressure was rather high, could have been due to nerves or something too, but anyways back to the point I'm trying to make. If you were to compare my results to someone who uses these products to help him/her through the day, I'm guessing there is a chance that their readings would be lower. Of course, I could be talking complete non-sense as I'm no expert on the topic. Nor do I condone the use, but that's another topic.
You know there is one thing I can't stand, and that is repeating myself. You know how they sometimes ask questions like 'If there were one thing you could change about yourself, what would it be?' I think I'd wish to change my voice. I don't want to get into a lengthy argument over "Oh you need to speak up" or "You mumble" because I don't think, or feel I do. I've recorded myself on multiple occasions and have no problems understanding myself. Of course you could point to self-awareness, but I would counter argue that. The way it feels for me to speak comfortably puts my voice at an unusual tone and/or frequency I believe. I don't know, but that is one thing that really annoys me.
What has everyone been up to? Any plans or trips for anyone coming up? How is daily life? Give me the low-down!
Well Doug is pacing back and forth like a lion... He's been whinnying that he wants to use the computer, so I guess I'm going to let him. Boo to him!
I'm not going to spell check, so you'll have to deal with it! HAH!
If someone can handle a drink on occasion and not go overboard, it can be beneficial or so the doctors say. However, if you can not control your consumptions it just creates new problem in your life and health. I have seen this happen many times. It is best to find a hobby or activity to control your stress. It is not always easy but does become easier as time goes by. You do not need to keep things bottled up inside of you. You can write down what is bothering you, go for a walk, get into a hobby, anything that can help you get through whatever is bothering you.
I hope that you get to travel some before your contract is up. There is so much in the world to see and none of knows what tomorrow may bring, so enjoy yourself. You already have some great pictures, so add to your collection so that you have your memories captured to enjoy later.
Everyone is doing fine on this side of the family. I am still trying to get over whatever I caught over two months ago.
I haven't seen your dad or talked to him lately. I did not go to Burns Night. I have been very busy at work and just can't seem to get to things. This is one of those stress times so I usually go for a walk. I also have many bird feeders and Steve gave me pecans for the squirrels. Between the birds, squirrels and cats that have appreared since Lady is not here it can be very entertaining. I'll check back at another time.
Take care,
Linda
You know you bring up a good point, I'm not sure what a medical professional would say, but i do remember something that may be of relevance. IT seems to me that when someone goes to rehab to quit doing something ... aything ... most of these people smoke and are encouraged to do so. It seems that when asked why the person in charge of these people always say something like "Smoking is the one addiction we do allow, it helps to keep the patients sane." We are however talking about an addictive substance, so of course your going to get a little wigged out if you don't have it. Non addictive subastances (Marijuana, Hobbies, Woodworking, ... ETC.) Many people do find these types of things very relaxing, it helps keep them focused and such. You may in fact be onto something, although I don;t think it's anything new I think it is important to realize. And I wasn't pacing like a lion, or whining about the computer.
About the birds. I have a hawk living close by and it seems to have ran off the really good birds around here. I have lots of sparrows, only a few doves and an occasional woodpecker and a mockingbird that only goes out front. It seems that all of the really neat birds have gone somewhere else or maybe it has something to do with the weather. I catch the squirrels making a ruckus at the hawk and hugging the tree at the same time (they don't want to be his dinner.) I'm surprised that the hawk has not tried to get them. I don't think that birds really like the noise of the bigger cities but who knows.
Anyway, catch you later,
Linda
One or two alcoholic drinks (red wine best but exact form not important and depending on body mass) a day, if you're not alcoholic, diabetic, liver problems, etc. seems optimal according to all I've taken in. Occasional marijuana use has proven pretty harmless (again excepting unusual problems) except that you are taking something foreign into your lungs and it happens to be illegal most places. Anything else ... well, try it and let us know (hee-hee).
Patrick
Hey, when you find a place to change the tone of your voice, give me the number. I have heard myself on tape before, it sounds a lot better in my head as well.
Kevin
On the drug issue (there all drugs)alcohol can lead to more problems (social and health)which can elevate those stress levels far worse. Internalizing your stress is bad! Take some karate or yoga, or possibly Tai Chi courses. On the voice...there are public speaking classes which teach you to speak with good projection and clarity. These are more positive paths to those goals you seek.
Tom's voice is fine in class, he is a fine teacher and I think most of his students understand him. It's outside of his classes in a social or one on one setting in which most people can't understand him. His speaking turns into more of a murmur, or a noise. Many people have to ask me what he is saying much of the time, I really can't understand him much of the time after work, mainly because he refuses to speak over the TV that is usually on. I seem to have occasional trouble hearing over loud noises. In his defense most chinese people have trouble understanding a voice that doesn't have an accent behind it. For example most of them can understand every word an english or australian person says, but Tom and I have 18 people asking us the same question before someone gets it, me more so than Tom because I refuse to slow down to a crawl when speaking. I think we are occasionally Lazy in our speaking because we do it all day.
booze would be better for you than most of the sugary drinks we get here now anyhow
I think you are fine the way you are and I don't think anyone believes that you would abuse these things.